I can’t wait for the international break to end – our schedule right after it is huge for Arsenal’s title push. First up, we host Tottenham Hotspur on November 23. To me, that’s a massive momentum test. The last time Spurs won a league game againts us at Emirates Stadium was about 15 years ago – a record that definitely gives me confidence. We’ve been rocking at home all season (we’re actually the only side unbeaten at home right now), so I feel good about our chances.
What really excites me is that we might finally get our key players back. Arteta hinted after Sunderland that Havertz, Odegaard, Madueke and Martinelli could all be fit by the Spurs game. Imagine having Martinelli and Odegaard back creating chances, Noni back on the wing and Havertz up front – that’s like a tournament-winning lineup! If we see even two or three of them on the pitch, I think it will make a big difference in our attacking threat. We still have to be sharp, though. Spurs can be dangerous in derbies, and any lapse would hurt, especially since we know they’ll be desperate for a result. But given our home form and their poor run (only one win in eight league games), I feel we hold the edge.
Right in between those league games we have that Champions League clash with Bayern Munich at home– which will be tough – but my focus is on keeping the PL title race alive. After Spurs, we travel to Chelsea on November 30. This one worries me a bit because I hate dropping points away. Stamford Bridge can be unpredictable. Last season we won at Emirates 1-0, but away games are different – Chelsea at home always fight tooth and nail. Still, Chelsea have goals up front and a manager who can energize them. If our team isn’t fully focused, an away slip could happen.
At the same time, I feel optimistic: we’ve been strong and if our injured stars really do return after the break, our attack will be firing on all cylinders for Chelsea too. In this title race, every point counts. Winning both Spurs and Chelsea would put us in a great spot. Failing to pick up six points would be a blow. Personally, I see these games as make-or-break for our title hopes. We’ve got the momentum, a great home record, and soon hopefully our best players back. I’m confident we can handle Spurs at home, and if we match that performance at Stamford Bridge, we’ll keep pace at the top.
So yeah, I’m fired up for these fixtures – two weeks of football that could define our season. Let’s bring that winning mentality, get the points, and stay on course for the Premier League title!
